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Smothered Chicken and Rice with creamy sauce over fluffy white rice

Smothered Chicken and Rice Easy Creamy Dinner

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  • Author: Patricia Jannet
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Halal

Description

Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice is a cozy one-pan comfort dinner made with tender chicken chunks simmered in a rich cream sauce with onion, garlic, broth, paprika, thyme, and a touch of cayenne, then served hot over fluffy rice.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into chunks
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes, optional
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, adjusted to taste
  • Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, then sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
  3. Add the chicken chunks to the skillet and brown them evenly on all sides.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then add the diced tomatoes if using.
  5. Stir in paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper until evenly combined.
  6. Cover the skillet and simmer for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  7. Serve hot over cooked rice and spoon the creamy sauce generously over the top.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for a juicier, richer result.
  • Reduce or omit cayenne pepper for a milder family-friendly version.
  • For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk.
  • Avoid boiling the cream sauce over high heat to keep it smooth.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze leftovers for up to 2 months and reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg

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Find it online: https://optimalrecipes.com/smothered-chicken-and-rice-easy-creamy-dinner/